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High Voltage
Greta is wired to please.
As operator of High Voltage Electric, ever loyal to her friends and family, she’s built a life around making others happy. And it’s a fine life, an acceptable life. A predictable life. Until an anonymous note is left behind for her on a university job site, and Greta feels compelled to answer.
The resulting correspondence leads her down a mysterious path to a tweed-jacketed geography professor named Ellis Gladstone. But just as fate puts them on the same map, she learns that there’s more to him than his horny-rimmed glasses; he’s been keeping secrets.
While the truth he hides might have darker elements, the way he makes her feel is pure light. Ellis Gladstone could be the type of hazard Greta’s always been warned about: powerful and dangerous, best marked with a lightning bolt and a caution sign. Or theirs could be the once-in-a-lifetime coupling that wields the potential to change their arcs.
How can their connection be wrong, if it feels so right?
As operator of High Voltage Electric, ever loyal to her friends and family, she’s built a life around making others happy. And it’s a fine life, an acceptable life. A predictable life. Until an anonymous note is left behind for her on a university job site, and Greta feels compelled to answer.
The resulting correspondence leads her down a mysterious path to a tweed-jacketed geography professor named Ellis Gladstone. But just as fate puts them on the same map, she learns that there’s more to him than his horny-rimmed glasses; he’s been keeping secrets.
While the truth he hides might have darker elements, the way he makes her feel is pure light. Ellis Gladstone could be the type of hazard Greta’s always been warned about: powerful and dangerous, best marked with a lightning bolt and a caution sign. Or theirs could be the once-in-a-lifetime coupling that wields the potential to change their arcs.
How can their connection be wrong, if it feels so right?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2026
About the author
Kate Cole
4 books84 followersSince meeting Mr. Darcy in English 101, Kate Cole hasn’t managed to shake her obsession with all things happily ever after. A sucker for romance, this Canadian bibliophile is a buttoned-up bureaucrat in the street, spicy romcom writer in her desk seat. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s also a wife and mom in suburbia who can’t get enough of Duran Duran or pedicures that match her current reads.
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August 26, 2026Kate Cole is an expert at edging her readers! This book had me giggling, gasping and on the edge of my seat the entire time.
It's a little softer than the other two in the series but still plenty electric ⚡
High risk = high reward, right?!
It's a little softer than the other two in the series but still plenty electric ⚡
High risk = high reward, right?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the complementary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I absolutely love her writing style. She's funny, has great character development, and knows how to relay technical information in an interesting way without overwhelming the reader.
I think this book might have just not been the best fit for me. It was still a great novel, cheesy and silly and adorable, but I struggled with why Greta and Ellis couldn't be together and how there was no seeming action on his end until over 75% through the book to bring forward a resolution to that. The entire time I was wondering if we were being led astray and he wasn't meant to be the MMC, because it just felt like despite their physical chemistry, Greta was being put through the wringer emotionally with no end in sight.
I did love the aspect of Greta and all of her friends being tradies, and how much Ellis supported her and celebrated her in that, but I really struggled to see how they worked together aside from their common interest in music and people pleasing.
All in all, it was a good book, but it just wasn't the right fit for me.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I absolutely love her writing style. She's funny, has great character development, and knows how to relay technical information in an interesting way without overwhelming the reader.
I think this book might have just not been the best fit for me. It was still a great novel, cheesy and silly and adorable, but I struggled with why Greta and Ellis couldn't be together and how there was no seeming action on his end until over 75% through the book to bring forward a resolution to that. The entire time I was wondering if we were being led astray and he wasn't meant to be the MMC, because it just felt like despite their physical chemistry, Greta was being put through the wringer emotionally with no end in sight.
I did love the aspect of Greta and all of her friends being tradies, and how much Ellis supported her and celebrated her in that, but I really struggled to see how they worked together aside from their common interest in music and people pleasing.
All in all, it was a good book, but it just wasn't the right fit for me.
Want to Read
July 2, 2026eee love this series, can't wait for Greta's book! 😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the first two books in Kate Cole’s Women in Trades series, so I had high expectations for Greta’s story. It didn’t disappoint. Greta is an electrician working in her father’s business, and her slow burn romance with Ellis, a geography professor with the hottest green flags I’ve read in a long time, is such a treat. This man knows how to research and reflect, especially when it comes to sensitive situations. Cooper from book two is still my favourite, but Ellis is crush worthy in his own way. More importantly, he’s perfect for Greta. It’s a delight watching these two people pleasers learn how to please each other and themselves.
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow, and it took me longer to settle in than with the previous two. Looking back, the pace works beautifully to reveal Greta’s character. Because the story is told in first person, her feelings colour the early chapters. She’s stuck in a situation of her own making, trying to please her father, keep things steady for the employees, and ignoring her own needs. Her life feels like a bit of a drag, which makes the changes we see in her later that much more satisfying.
Some readers may struggle with the secret Ellis is carrying, but Cole handles it with nuance and logic. This isn’t a black and white situation. It’s meant to be understood in shades of grey, and I loved the way Cole weaves it into the story. It’s original, intriguing, and adds excellent tension as the book moves toward its happy ending.
I always enjoy the female friendships at the heart of Cole’s books, and because this story overlaps with the previous two, we get to see familiar events from Greta’s perspective. The side characters add humour and layers. JT, as usual, steals every scene he’s in. I would absolutely read a book just about him. His humour and quick rejoinders are such a delight. Kate’s family, especially her father, enrich the story too. And the Gen X music references and love for vinyl are wonderful. The twists with the record collections are so fun.
The romance is steamy, emotional, and deeply satisfying in how it develops both the relationship and the plot. Cole writes beautifully, avoids romance clichés, and gives us a thoughtful look at the nuances of relationships. I highly recommend this whole series.
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow, and it took me longer to settle in than with the previous two. Looking back, the pace works beautifully to reveal Greta’s character. Because the story is told in first person, her feelings colour the early chapters. She’s stuck in a situation of her own making, trying to please her father, keep things steady for the employees, and ignoring her own needs. Her life feels like a bit of a drag, which makes the changes we see in her later that much more satisfying.
Some readers may struggle with the secret Ellis is carrying, but Cole handles it with nuance and logic. This isn’t a black and white situation. It’s meant to be understood in shades of grey, and I loved the way Cole weaves it into the story. It’s original, intriguing, and adds excellent tension as the book moves toward its happy ending.
I always enjoy the female friendships at the heart of Cole’s books, and because this story overlaps with the previous two, we get to see familiar events from Greta’s perspective. The side characters add humour and layers. JT, as usual, steals every scene he’s in. I would absolutely read a book just about him. His humour and quick rejoinders are such a delight. Kate’s family, especially her father, enrich the story too. And the Gen X music references and love for vinyl are wonderful. The twists with the record collections are so fun.
The romance is steamy, emotional, and deeply satisfying in how it develops both the relationship and the plot. Cole writes beautifully, avoids romance clichés, and gives us a thoughtful look at the nuances of relationships. I highly recommend this whole series.
August 23, 2026
I received an advanced of this book in exchange for my host feedback.
High Voltage was everything I’ve come to expect from this author and somehow still managed to give me a few things I didn’t know I needed.
We had banter, tension, a sprinkle of heartbreak (thankfully only a minor sprinkle), high-stakes employment, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments. Basically, I was invested.
This book follows Greta, a commercial electrician turned industrial worker, and Ellis an academic with a PhD in Hydro-Climatology. Their shared love of music, classic vinyl, and guilt bagels gives this love story the perfect starting point: mutual appreciation, common ground, and just enough curiosity to make things interesting.
One of my favourite things about this book was how mature it felt. These characters were grown adults dealing with very real, very grown-up questions. Is what you’ve spent your entire life doing actually what you want? Is it time for a change? Do you take the new job? Do you follow your own path, even when it might disappoint the people who raised you?
Because apparently being in your 30s doesn’t magically make disappointing your parents any easier.
I especially loved the tension between Greta and Ellis. The way they danced around each other in the beginning, slowly testing those boundaries, the chemistry was THERE, and watching it build was sooo good.
And there’s a lot to be said for those academics and their research. 🧐😂
There was something incredibly satisfying about watching these two figure out not only what they wanted from each other, but what they wanted for themselves. The romance felt natural, the banter kept things fun, and those little swoony moments absolutely got me.
This book also gave me a whole new appreciation for the hydro workers who spend countless hours restoring electricity after a storm, working in industrial environments, and facing the very real dangers that come with the job. Having worked as office staff for a mechanical company, I thought I already had a pretty good respect for the trade before reading this…
I’ve officially been humbled.
Another ARC read that reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to this author’s books.
Thank you to the Kate Cole for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💕
High Voltage was everything I’ve come to expect from this author and somehow still managed to give me a few things I didn’t know I needed.
We had banter, tension, a sprinkle of heartbreak (thankfully only a minor sprinkle), high-stakes employment, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments. Basically, I was invested.
This book follows Greta, a commercial electrician turned industrial worker, and Ellis an academic with a PhD in Hydro-Climatology. Their shared love of music, classic vinyl, and guilt bagels gives this love story the perfect starting point: mutual appreciation, common ground, and just enough curiosity to make things interesting.
One of my favourite things about this book was how mature it felt. These characters were grown adults dealing with very real, very grown-up questions. Is what you’ve spent your entire life doing actually what you want? Is it time for a change? Do you take the new job? Do you follow your own path, even when it might disappoint the people who raised you?
Because apparently being in your 30s doesn’t magically make disappointing your parents any easier.
I especially loved the tension between Greta and Ellis. The way they danced around each other in the beginning, slowly testing those boundaries, the chemistry was THERE, and watching it build was sooo good.
And there’s a lot to be said for those academics and their research. 🧐😂
There was something incredibly satisfying about watching these two figure out not only what they wanted from each other, but what they wanted for themselves. The romance felt natural, the banter kept things fun, and those little swoony moments absolutely got me.
This book also gave me a whole new appreciation for the hydro workers who spend countless hours restoring electricity after a storm, working in industrial environments, and facing the very real dangers that come with the job. Having worked as office staff for a mechanical company, I thought I already had a pretty good respect for the trade before reading this…
I’ve officially been humbled.
Another ARC read that reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to this author’s books.
Thank you to the Kate Cole for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
STEM FMC: electrician; STEM MMC: PhD in hydroclimatology (geography)
Kate Cole is one of my favorite authors, and she's done it again! She has a way of making all of her FMCs so relatable. If you're a woman in a male dominated field, you will feel like she sees you and understands you on an elemental level. Greta was amazing, but I'm not going to lie... I struggled a bit with the plot of this one and Greta's choices. I had to put a lot of faith in Kate to take us through to a complete HEA, and she does... but if this is your first go at a Kate Cole book, it might be difficult to want to stick with it. All I can say is trust the process.
Speaking of the series though, all three of the books in the series so far have concurrent timelines, and all of their stories and some characters overlap. It's especially obvious in this book, so there may be scenes when she's with the other books' FMCs that you might be a little confused about. While I think you could probably get away with reading this book as a stand alone, I think you would enjoy it a lot more if you read the others first. The good news about that is that all of the books in this series are 5 star reads, so it's not a chore!
This book is definitely the spiciest of the series so far, but it's so freaking good! Ellis is deliciously nerdy and so good at doing his research and studying his subject (wink wink).
Just like with all of her books, it's well written, has excellent characters arcs, and is spicy. Highly recommend!
Kate Cole is one of my favorite authors, and she's done it again! She has a way of making all of her FMCs so relatable. If you're a woman in a male dominated field, you will feel like she sees you and understands you on an elemental level. Greta was amazing, but I'm not going to lie... I struggled a bit with the plot of this one and Greta's choices. I had to put a lot of faith in Kate to take us through to a complete HEA, and she does... but if this is your first go at a Kate Cole book, it might be difficult to want to stick with it. All I can say is trust the process.
Speaking of the series though, all three of the books in the series so far have concurrent timelines, and all of their stories and some characters overlap. It's especially obvious in this book, so there may be scenes when she's with the other books' FMCs that you might be a little confused about. While I think you could probably get away with reading this book as a stand alone, I think you would enjoy it a lot more if you read the others first. The good news about that is that all of the books in this series are 5 star reads, so it's not a chore!
This book is definitely the spiciest of the series so far, but it's so freaking good! Ellis is deliciously nerdy and so good at doing his research and studying his subject (wink wink).
Just like with all of her books, it's well written, has excellent characters arcs, and is spicy. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So excited to have been selected as an arc reader for Kate Cole's book High Voltage! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, and worried I wouldn’t have the time or energy to finish this book by its release date.
Boy, was I wrong! I absolutely devoured it. Every spare moment was spent reading or daydreaming about finally quitting my day job and diving back in.
As usual, the female main character is a powerhouse! As a woman in my 30s and a minority myself, I can relate to Greta's struggle to prove herself. I'm also a huge people pleaser and I've been working really hard to assert myself. So I felt a really powerful connection to this main character.
And Ellis! Where do I start? I wish Ellis were a real man instead of a work of fiction. In my experience, the dating pool is shallow at best and downright contaminated at worst. Ellis definitely raised the bar.
What’s not to love? A man who takes the time to truly know and love every aspect of his woman. Not to mention, a beautiful music loving geek, with a British accent and horn rimmed glasses. That's my definition of a Prince Charming!
Kate Cole’s writing is divine. She develops her characters slowly and completely throughout the book, making them feel like friends by the end. I love how she eloquently and artfully weaves each book together. They’re separate entities yet happen in the same space and time.
I own every one of her books and will continue to purchase anything she writes. I Highly Voltage is my favourite though!
Boy, was I wrong! I absolutely devoured it. Every spare moment was spent reading or daydreaming about finally quitting my day job and diving back in.
As usual, the female main character is a powerhouse! As a woman in my 30s and a minority myself, I can relate to Greta's struggle to prove herself. I'm also a huge people pleaser and I've been working really hard to assert myself. So I felt a really powerful connection to this main character.
And Ellis! Where do I start? I wish Ellis were a real man instead of a work of fiction. In my experience, the dating pool is shallow at best and downright contaminated at worst. Ellis definitely raised the bar.
What’s not to love? A man who takes the time to truly know and love every aspect of his woman. Not to mention, a beautiful music loving geek, with a British accent and horn rimmed glasses. That's my definition of a Prince Charming!
Kate Cole’s writing is divine. She develops her characters slowly and completely throughout the book, making them feel like friends by the end. I love how she eloquently and artfully weaves each book together. They’re separate entities yet happen in the same space and time.
I own every one of her books and will continue to purchase anything she writes. I Highly Voltage is my favourite though!
September 28, 2026
As I say with every Kate Cole book… I love to learn while horny 😎
This is the third instalment in the Women in Trades series, following Greta the electrician. She’s at a difficult point in her life: she’s working nights (and even through the day on some days), she’s managing the family business for her dad and not enjoying it at all, and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day for her to fulfill all her obligations. But when she’s installing new electrical equipment in a professors office at a university, she strikes up a conversation about music over some notes and all of a sudden she has something to look forward to on her day.
I knew from way back in the first book, Under Construction, that Greta was my favourite of the trio. There’s just something about her that draws you in. She’s kind, supportive, positive, bright, wants the best for everyone, a people pleaser but still such a strong woman. No one is walking over her. I consumed this book, it was so hard to put down. You’ll laugh at the electrician dad jokes, you’ll learn so much about electricity and maps, and I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with Greta and Ellis as well as so many side characters. (In fact, I did message Kate asking if one of the characters gets her own story because I loved her so much.)
I would say this was the spiciest of the series and Ellis definitely lived up to his professor personality. That man loves to learn 😏
This is the third instalment in the Women in Trades series, following Greta the electrician. She’s at a difficult point in her life: she’s working nights (and even through the day on some days), she’s managing the family business for her dad and not enjoying it at all, and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day for her to fulfill all her obligations. But when she’s installing new electrical equipment in a professors office at a university, she strikes up a conversation about music over some notes and all of a sudden she has something to look forward to on her day.
I knew from way back in the first book, Under Construction, that Greta was my favourite of the trio. There’s just something about her that draws you in. She’s kind, supportive, positive, bright, wants the best for everyone, a people pleaser but still such a strong woman. No one is walking over her. I consumed this book, it was so hard to put down. You’ll laugh at the electrician dad jokes, you’ll learn so much about electricity and maps, and I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with Greta and Ellis as well as so many side characters. (In fact, I did message Kate asking if one of the characters gets her own story because I loved her so much.)
I would say this was the spiciest of the series and Ellis definitely lived up to his professor personality. That man loves to learn 😏
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC • 🇨🇦
Good LAWD Kate Cole has sparked something inside me with this one! Absolutely electrifying in every single way. Greta and Ellis are two incredible main characters, that grew and learned, and made you fall in love with them with every page turn.
The Women in Trades series is such an important and impactful series and I think it's so important for women to see themselves in books. I'm not a tradie but I love bad ass women and Coles books are filled with them!
The side characters in this book were truly some of the best side characters in any book! From Greta's coworkers, the mentioning of previous MCs and then there's Edie. I fell in love with her, she's so funny, and caring and her side story SHOCKED me.
The ending of High Voltage had me with full body goosebumps and tears in my eyes. I can't recommend this book and series more!!
Some of my Fave Quotes:
“I did what I do any time I’m faced with a subject I’m not familiar with. I did my research, sought out information. I levelled up.”
"Nobody likes a Tamlin."
“I just figured”—he adjusts his glasses—“as a tradeswoman, you might appreciate it. I mean, you’d never expect to get a job done without the right tools.”
"He’s fricking homo sapiens green flagiens"
“I don’t want pretty lace underthings, Greta. I want your work wear on my bedroom floor.”
Good LAWD Kate Cole has sparked something inside me with this one! Absolutely electrifying in every single way. Greta and Ellis are two incredible main characters, that grew and learned, and made you fall in love with them with every page turn.
The Women in Trades series is such an important and impactful series and I think it's so important for women to see themselves in books. I'm not a tradie but I love bad ass women and Coles books are filled with them!
The side characters in this book were truly some of the best side characters in any book! From Greta's coworkers, the mentioning of previous MCs and then there's Edie. I fell in love with her, she's so funny, and caring and her side story SHOCKED me.
The ending of High Voltage had me with full body goosebumps and tears in my eyes. I can't recommend this book and series more!!
Some of my Fave Quotes:
“I did what I do any time I’m faced with a subject I’m not familiar with. I did my research, sought out information. I levelled up.”
"Nobody likes a Tamlin."
“I just figured”—he adjusts his glasses—“as a tradeswoman, you might appreciate it. I mean, you’d never expect to get a job done without the right tools.”
"He’s fricking homo sapiens green flagiens"
“I don’t want pretty lace underthings, Greta. I want your work wear on my bedroom floor.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
High Voltage is the third book in the Women in Trades series. It can be read as an interconnected standalone, but it’s even more fun if you read the first two books. There are several moments that overlap with the timeline of the previous books and it’s exciting to see those events from Greta’s perspective.
I’ve been looking forward to Greta’s story ever since Under Construction, and it definitely worked so well! The story is told through Greta’s perspective. I loved getting to learn more about her passion for being an electrician as well as uncovering more of her backstory and understanding why she is the way she is. Her love interest, Ellis, is absolutely perfect for her! There were a few surprises along the way! I thought Kate did a wonderful job navigating their love story despite the situations they found themselves in. The moments between Greta and Ellis were so sweet. I also loved seeing beloved side characters from the previous books which made the story even more enjoyable. Plus, we’re introduced to new side characters that are just as easy to fall in love with! I definitely recommend picking this up if you love forbidden romance!
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy!
I’ve been looking forward to Greta’s story ever since Under Construction, and it definitely worked so well! The story is told through Greta’s perspective. I loved getting to learn more about her passion for being an electrician as well as uncovering more of her backstory and understanding why she is the way she is. Her love interest, Ellis, is absolutely perfect for her! There were a few surprises along the way! I thought Kate did a wonderful job navigating their love story despite the situations they found themselves in. The moments between Greta and Ellis were so sweet. I also loved seeing beloved side characters from the previous books which made the story even more enjoyable. Plus, we’re introduced to new side characters that are just as easy to fall in love with! I definitely recommend picking this up if you love forbidden romance!
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy!
September 1, 2026
Kate Cole delivers an electrifying read with High Voltage, the third novel in the Women In Trades series.
We meet Greta, a mid-thirties electrician that is currently running her family's business. Cole perfectly captures the mid-thirties professional, juggling work, family, and leaving little time for much else. Ellis is a green flag university professor with a big heart, a British accent, and a love for vinyl records.
Greta and Ellis had me swooning and turning the pages way too quickly as they navigate work, relationships, and a budding romance. As always, Cole's writing and pacing are superb, and the spice is amazing! I loved how I related to Greta's struggles with balancing her career, family expectations and personal desires - I think every mid-thirties professional woman encounters this, and Cole's writing perfectly portrays the challenge. We are also treated to the best supporting characters - along with Pierre, I'm going to need a short Edie and Miller story.
I'm so glad I found this series, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you like strong FMCs, unique settings, and excellent writing, this series is for you! I can't wait for more.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Greta, a mid-thirties electrician that is currently running her family's business. Cole perfectly captures the mid-thirties professional, juggling work, family, and leaving little time for much else. Ellis is a green flag university professor with a big heart, a British accent, and a love for vinyl records.
Greta and Ellis had me swooning and turning the pages way too quickly as they navigate work, relationships, and a budding romance. As always, Cole's writing and pacing are superb, and the spice is amazing! I loved how I related to Greta's struggles with balancing her career, family expectations and personal desires - I think every mid-thirties professional woman encounters this, and Cole's writing perfectly portrays the challenge. We are also treated to the best supporting characters - along with Pierre, I'm going to need a short Edie and Miller story.
I'm so glad I found this series, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you like strong FMCs, unique settings, and excellent writing, this series is for you! I can't wait for more.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚡️Electrician x Uni Prof
⚡️Forbidden/Secret Romance
⚡️ 🌶️ scrabble
⚡️ 🌶️ coat closet
⚡️ he wears glasses 🥵
✨ARC Review✨
Ugh, OMG you guyssssssss! I met Kate Cole last spring and she sold me on her first book Under Construction, by saying there was a scaffold romance. I WAS SOLD!
What she didn’t tell me was that every book was just going to keep exceeding the previous. IMO High Voltage is my fave of the series.
Greta is a smart and sassy electrician. Yes that’s right…female electrician. Can we say hot 🥵. Man alive I adore her. She’s funny and strong and learns how to take what she wants and not settle for what she thinks is expected.
Ellis…a hot professor. A hot British professor. That’s it…that’s the sentences.
There’s spicy scrabble, there’s spicy lessons, there’s some spicy time in a coat closet. I could not stop reading as this one spoke to me on such a different level.
If you love reading books about strong, successful women, who don’t take any BS, this series is for you. Just can’t say enough and definitely one of my top books for the year.
Thank you Kate Cole for the advanced copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚡️Electrician x Uni Prof
⚡️Forbidden/Secret Romance
⚡️ 🌶️ scrabble
⚡️ 🌶️ coat closet
⚡️ he wears glasses 🥵
✨ARC Review✨
Ugh, OMG you guyssssssss! I met Kate Cole last spring and she sold me on her first book Under Construction, by saying there was a scaffold romance. I WAS SOLD!
What she didn’t tell me was that every book was just going to keep exceeding the previous. IMO High Voltage is my fave of the series.
Greta is a smart and sassy electrician. Yes that’s right…female electrician. Can we say hot 🥵. Man alive I adore her. She’s funny and strong and learns how to take what she wants and not settle for what she thinks is expected.
Ellis…a hot professor. A hot British professor. That’s it…that’s the sentences.
There’s spicy scrabble, there’s spicy lessons, there’s some spicy time in a coat closet. I could not stop reading as this one spoke to me on such a different level.
If you love reading books about strong, successful women, who don’t take any BS, this series is for you. Just can’t say enough and definitely one of my top books for the year.
Thank you Kate Cole for the advanced copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly incredible read. Kate Cole has done it again with this 3rd installment of her Women In Trades Romance series. While it can be read as a standalone, it can be best enjoyed reading these books in sequence as you start to see some of the overlap in timelines.
Greta and Ellis's story is electrifyingly beautiful. There are tender moments, there are spicy moments, there are moments where Kate Cole reqlly wanted to edge her readers (and she succeeded). This is more than a spicy romance read. It is filled with emotion, challenges, comedy, awareness, and so much more.
There are so many side characters that play crucial roles in this story. Readers get to see healthy parental relationships, uplifting friendships, unique situationships, and colleague dynamics of working in the trades. This book, and this series, is educational AND fun.
I loved every moment of this story. It is refreshing and whole-heartedly Kate Cole. The level of care and detail that went into every word on every page was clearly well thought out.
Greta and Ellis's story is electrifyingly beautiful. There are tender moments, there are spicy moments, there are moments where Kate Cole reqlly wanted to edge her readers (and she succeeded). This is more than a spicy romance read. It is filled with emotion, challenges, comedy, awareness, and so much more.
There are so many side characters that play crucial roles in this story. Readers get to see healthy parental relationships, uplifting friendships, unique situationships, and colleague dynamics of working in the trades. This book, and this series, is educational AND fun.
I loved every moment of this story. It is refreshing and whole-heartedly Kate Cole. The level of care and detail that went into every word on every page was clearly well thought out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I’ll selfishly take this just for me, and he can take it just for him. Two people pleasers finally pleasing themselves."
This book was everything I want in a romance and more. Ellis is a sexy green flag professor complete with horny-rimmed glasses and a filthy mouth who met Greta exactly where she was, every single time. Greta, the thrill-seeking junkie who's a master in her field, quietly learns that the way to real happiness is chasing her own dreams, not just everyone else's. Their chemistry is magnetic and only grows as they open up to each other. Truly one of my favorite book couples — High Voltage is swoony, panty-melting, and all over electric!
Kate Cole has absolutely trademarked this series highlighting women in trade positions finding bold, sexy men to stand beside them. I loved catching glimpses of the girl gang from previous books reconnecting, along with the reminder that we're all just humans searching for love, happiness, and joy.
This book was everything I want in a romance and more. Ellis is a sexy green flag professor complete with horny-rimmed glasses and a filthy mouth who met Greta exactly where she was, every single time. Greta, the thrill-seeking junkie who's a master in her field, quietly learns that the way to real happiness is chasing her own dreams, not just everyone else's. Their chemistry is magnetic and only grows as they open up to each other. Truly one of my favorite book couples — High Voltage is swoony, panty-melting, and all over electric!
Kate Cole has absolutely trademarked this series highlighting women in trade positions finding bold, sexy men to stand beside them. I loved catching glimpses of the girl gang from previous books reconnecting, along with the reminder that we're all just humans searching for love, happiness, and joy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
High Voltage was such a fun and unique read! I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance featuring a woman working in the trades, and I really enjoyed getting to follow a badass electrician who was determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field—and absolutely crushing it while she did.
The romance was a fun and steamy part of the story, but one of my favorite things was the group of girls she surrounded herself with. I loved their friendships and the way they supported each other throughout the story.
I definitely had plenty of moments where I was giggling, but some of the real-life pop culture references didn’t quite land for me. The ACOTAR references in particular felt a little too on-the-nose and occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a fun, refreshing premise with a heroine I really enjoyed rooting for. I’m definitely glad I picked this one up!
Thank you to Kate Cole for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
High Voltage was such a fun and unique read! I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance featuring a woman working in the trades, and I really enjoyed getting to follow a badass electrician who was determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field—and absolutely crushing it while she did.
The romance was a fun and steamy part of the story, but one of my favorite things was the group of girls she surrounded herself with. I loved their friendships and the way they supported each other throughout the story.
I definitely had plenty of moments where I was giggling, but some of the real-life pop culture references didn’t quite land for me. The ACOTAR references in particular felt a little too on-the-nose and occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a fun, refreshing premise with a heroine I really enjoyed rooting for. I’m definitely glad I picked this one up!
Thank you to Kate Cole for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 17, 2026
First off if you haven’t read any of Kate Cole’s books you need to now!
This is the third book in the Woman of Trades romance series.
Greta is an electrician following in her dad’s footsteps while also taking over and running his business. Ellis is a geography professor at the local school—and there’s something mysterious about him that immediately draws Greta in.
While working on the school’s electrical wiring, Greta and Ellis’s paths keep crossing, and before long, those little sparks between them turn into something much deeper. ⚡️❤️
There is SO much love packed into this book! Greta and Ellis have incredible chemistry, and I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. It starts off as a delicious slow burn, with plenty of tension and anticipation, and then… the spice arrives! 🔥🌶️
I love all of Kate Cole’s books, but this one is, without a doubt, my favourite so far! The romance, the chemistry, the characters, the slow burn—it all came together perfectly. If you love a romance with plenty of heart, tension, and spice, definitely add this one to your TBR! ❤️🔥📚
💛 Electrician FMC
💛 Professor MMC
💛 Forbidden romance
💛 Scrabble
💛 He wears glasses
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kate Cole strikes again! (ARC Review)
I absolutely love this series. From the moment I spoke with Kate, she sold me on her first book, Under Construction. Kate's writing is perfectly balanced—the right amount of education, "spice," and connection with the characters. This series has provided me with an abundance of information, but not in a textbook style. Kate knows how to catch your attention with witty, funny, and descriptive writing to then feed you nuggets of knowledge. High Voltage knows how to spark your intrigue with baths, self-taught "O" mastering, and a UK professor. I regret reading this book so quickly, but it was impossible to put down. The father/daughter dynamic punched me in the gut because it is so real. I have recommended this series to many people and will continue to do so. Do yourself a favor and get to reading this wonderful series!
I absolutely love this series. From the moment I spoke with Kate, she sold me on her first book, Under Construction. Kate's writing is perfectly balanced—the right amount of education, "spice," and connection with the characters. This series has provided me with an abundance of information, but not in a textbook style. Kate knows how to catch your attention with witty, funny, and descriptive writing to then feed you nuggets of knowledge. High Voltage knows how to spark your intrigue with baths, self-taught "O" mastering, and a UK professor. I regret reading this book so quickly, but it was impossible to put down. The father/daughter dynamic punched me in the gut because it is so real. I have recommended this series to many people and will continue to do so. Do yourself a favor and get to reading this wonderful series!
August 23, 2026
This book is a sweet and tender romance between a stunningly strong female lead and her utterly delicious nerdy snack of a man.
This book is also so real and so relatable; feeling the emotional strain of a woman who is balancing a challenging career with the duties of family and parental expectations; collapsing into her tiny-home safe haven at the end of each day… I can feel the decision fatigue from here. This is real life.
Add in the running theme of record collections, trade-based puns, and of course the essential female friendships, this is a beautifully written and thoughtful book that leaves you feeling light and hopeful.
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book is also so real and so relatable; feeling the emotional strain of a woman who is balancing a challenging career with the duties of family and parental expectations; collapsing into her tiny-home safe haven at the end of each day… I can feel the decision fatigue from here. This is real life.
Add in the running theme of record collections, trade-based puns, and of course the essential female friendships, this is a beautifully written and thoughtful book that leaves you feeling light and hopeful.
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy
As an ARC reader, I am honored to share my thoughts on this brilliant book. Greta holds a very special place in my heart!
Both Ellis and Greta are witty, adorable, and unforgettable.
The surprises kept coming, and the fun vinyl record details were a fantastic bonus.
The pacing is nearly perfect. It picks up at all the right moments to keep you hooked.
This book does a wonderful job of exploring different trades and highlighting the struggles women face when entering these fields.
If you have not read Kate Cole’s previous books in this series, I urge you to do so. This entire series is well worth the read.
High Voltage is available for pre-order now. Go grab your copy today!
4.5 stars!!
Thank you Kate Cole for another great read!
Both Ellis and Greta are witty, adorable, and unforgettable.
The surprises kept coming, and the fun vinyl record details were a fantastic bonus.
The pacing is nearly perfect. It picks up at all the right moments to keep you hooked.
This book does a wonderful job of exploring different trades and highlighting the struggles women face when entering these fields.
If you have not read Kate Cole’s previous books in this series, I urge you to do so. This entire series is well worth the read.
High Voltage is available for pre-order now. Go grab your copy today!
4.5 stars!!
Thank you Kate Cole for another great read!
August 29, 2026
We follow Greta an electrician by trade and Ellis a geography professor at the university she is working at. Their meet cute of note passing is just the beginning of their puns and cute relationship banter. Especially love how emotionally secure and mature their relationship turns out to be as they maneuver some obstacles along the way. Ellis has all the green flags including a big gesture of aligning all the female friends to build a deck then quietly exiting so they could bond and work it out with an all female group. Love all the puns and record inferences woven into the story. Also love that JT made an appearance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was grateful to receive this as my first aver ARC after having Kate’s books on my TRB for ages as I love the fact that her FMC’s are all STEM and it did not disappoint.
Greta is a great character and some of her one liners had me really laughing. The chemistry between her and Ellis is ‘electric’ excuse the pun! And Ellis - well he’s a nerd in the streets and a nerd in the sheets - IYKYK!! As Greta herself would say - he’s a Homo sapiens Green flagiens!
The forbidden romance part of the plot was great and told in a way I hadn’t read before. I’m fully going back to the start and reading Under Construction!
Greta is a great character and some of her one liners had me really laughing. The chemistry between her and Ellis is ‘electric’ excuse the pun! And Ellis - well he’s a nerd in the streets and a nerd in the sheets - IYKYK!! As Greta herself would say - he’s a Homo sapiens Green flagiens!
The forbidden romance part of the plot was great and told in a way I hadn’t read before. I’m fully going back to the start and reading Under Construction!
Review of advance copy received from Author
#gifted
Thank you to Kate Cole for the free e-arc. My opinions are being left voluntarily.
I love Kate Coles women in trade series. I love we see some of the previous characters and a glimpse into their life now. Our MMC is down bad from the jump and is literally a walking green flag. I feel like each book I learn more about the trades and the important work taken for granted and the seriousness and what's at stake for those in various industries.
I look forward to Kate Coles next book.
Highly recommend the series.
4.5/5☆
Thank you to Kate Cole for the free e-arc. My opinions are being left voluntarily.
I love Kate Coles women in trade series. I love we see some of the previous characters and a glimpse into their life now. Our MMC is down bad from the jump and is literally a walking green flag. I feel like each book I learn more about the trades and the important work taken for granted and the seriousness and what's at stake for those in various industries.
I look forward to Kate Coles next book.
Highly recommend the series.
4.5/5☆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I just heard about this series and absolutely had to read it! I'll be reading the previous books in the Women in trades series soon!! I used to be a woman in trades (carpentry) and I love seeing this highlighted!! Greta & Ellis are adorable, I loved every moment of their story, all the ups & down & unknowns thrown in. Thank you Kate Cole for these books, I'm very excited to read more!
I just heard about this series and absolutely had to read it! I'll be reading the previous books in the Women in trades series soon!! I used to be a woman in trades (carpentry) and I love seeing this highlighted!! Greta & Ellis are adorable, I loved every moment of their story, all the ups & down & unknowns thrown in. Thank you Kate Cole for these books, I'm very excited to read more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am new to this author and women in trades as a sub-genre, and I absolutely love it. High Voltage is the book I needed. I loved the dynamic between Greta and Ellis, the depth of their intimacy and vulnerability, the way they connected and communicated. Big bonus points for all the music references. I’m excited to read more from this catalog!
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book.
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This third entry in the Women in Trades series lives up to the high standard set by the first two books! This romance between a skilled electrician and a university professor has a sweet and spicy romance plot, but is also a story about following what it is in life that gives you spark!
Local Ottawa area author and the Ottawa Public Library has the book on order for keen readers to place on hold!
(Advanced reader copy provided by the author)
Local Ottawa area author and the Ottawa Public Library has the book on order for keen readers to place on hold!
(Advanced reader copy provided by the author)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Greta and Ellis are so in tune with each other it’s not even funny. From the first sweet note🥰 to the extra studying 🥵 Ellis is top notch BDE and I’m here for it!! If you haven’t read the other two books in the series, please do yourself a favor and read them now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3rd book in Kate Coles 'Women in Trade' innerconnected series.
Greta is an electrician in this slow burn romance. Ellis is a green flag with an usual secret.
Great banter, tension and lots of character development.
Feelings were felt! I highly recommend the whole series!
Greta is an electrician in this slow burn romance. Ellis is a green flag with an usual secret.
Great banter, tension and lots of character development.
Feelings were felt! I highly recommend the whole series!
September 18, 2026
I received an ARC of High Voltage and I very much enjoyed it. The women in trades series is so good.
I loved Greta! I enjoyed seeing her go from people pleaser to taking charge of her life and happiness. Ellis and Greta’s interactions are the best.
I loved Greta! I enjoyed seeing her go from people pleaser to taking charge of her life and happiness. Ellis and Greta’s interactions are the best.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I LOVED this book! I am so glad I found this author.
Thank you to Kate Cole and BookFunnel for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
To preface, I am a woman in construction so I was especially excited for this one. Greta is a badass boss and she was written exactly how I'd want her to be written. She's not over the top, mean, or hateful to create that "not-messing-around" attitude and she's not blaming everything on her gender. She's good at what she does because she's got the experience and that's that. She's got flaws and strengths because she's human.
Now Ellis, amazing, no notes. I would love to take his class. I have no idea what it's about, but I'll figure it out. Ellis is a professor and he's kind, and he's got an accent, and he's a golden retriever. Him and Greta together are perfect. They balance each other out. She's strict. He's calm. She's loud and a little messy. He's quiet and put together.
Overall, I need 7 copies of this book. I loved it and now I need to read the rest of the series. There were a lot of characters in the women's group that I need to know the story behind. Greta and Ellis will be my favorite though.
Thank you to Kate Cole and BookFunnel for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
To preface, I am a woman in construction so I was especially excited for this one. Greta is a badass boss and she was written exactly how I'd want her to be written. She's not over the top, mean, or hateful to create that "not-messing-around" attitude and she's not blaming everything on her gender. She's good at what she does because she's got the experience and that's that. She's got flaws and strengths because she's human.
Now Ellis, amazing, no notes. I would love to take his class. I have no idea what it's about, but I'll figure it out. Ellis is a professor and he's kind, and he's got an accent, and he's a golden retriever. Him and Greta together are perfect. They balance each other out. She's strict. He's calm. She's loud and a little messy. He's quiet and put together.
Overall, I need 7 copies of this book. I loved it and now I need to read the rest of the series. There were a lot of characters in the women's group that I need to know the story behind. Greta and Ellis will be my favorite though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
High Voltage is the third book in the Women in Trades standalone series.
Greta dutifully followed in her father's footsteps when she became an electrician. While on the job on a university campus, she comes across a note for her team in an office and she responds on a whim. That response begins a back and forth between Greta and the mystery person who occupies the office. The mystery note writer turns out to be a very handsome professor named Ellis Gladstone. Sparks fly between the two, but the secret he is keeping may be something that Greta can't get past.
This Women in Trades series is so fun! Kate Cole has created something really unique with this series. Each book features a heroine who is a tradesperson in a field dominated by men. The women are badasses and can hold their own despite the fact that it feels like things are stacked up against them in their work. Greta is a badass electrician who was independent and didn't need a man in her life. Meeting Ellis made her realize that it's not about what you need, but what you deserve.
Greta is going through a crisis in her career. She's not sure if she is happy with her current job situation but making a change could break her father's heart. As Greta's relationship with Ellis develops, he becomes a sounding board that she trusts and that support allows her to take a leap of faith. We love a man who supports a woman in pursuing what she wants!
Ellis and Greta have an intense attraction for one another from the beginning. A little flirtation turns into some hot and heavy hookups, despite the complications from their lives. I love that Ellis takes initiative in the bedroom, bringing confidence and an eagerness to explore Greta's desires.
Pick this one up for a sweet and heartwarming romance with a badass heroine with a wonderful book boyfriend!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
Greta dutifully followed in her father's footsteps when she became an electrician. While on the job on a university campus, she comes across a note for her team in an office and she responds on a whim. That response begins a back and forth between Greta and the mystery person who occupies the office. The mystery note writer turns out to be a very handsome professor named Ellis Gladstone. Sparks fly between the two, but the secret he is keeping may be something that Greta can't get past.
This Women in Trades series is so fun! Kate Cole has created something really unique with this series. Each book features a heroine who is a tradesperson in a field dominated by men. The women are badasses and can hold their own despite the fact that it feels like things are stacked up against them in their work. Greta is a badass electrician who was independent and didn't need a man in her life. Meeting Ellis made her realize that it's not about what you need, but what you deserve.
Greta is going through a crisis in her career. She's not sure if she is happy with her current job situation but making a change could break her father's heart. As Greta's relationship with Ellis develops, he becomes a sounding board that she trusts and that support allows her to take a leap of faith. We love a man who supports a woman in pursuing what she wants!
Ellis and Greta have an intense attraction for one another from the beginning. A little flirtation turns into some hot and heavy hookups, despite the complications from their lives. I love that Ellis takes initiative in the bedroom, bringing confidence and an eagerness to explore Greta's desires.
Pick this one up for a sweet and heartwarming romance with a badass heroine with a wonderful book boyfriend!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
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